Welcome to the GWTW Forum.Guests (non-registered users) can view the forum but are unable to post. If you don't have anything to say then why would you bother to register?One of the most popular sections of the GWTW Forum has long been the Swap Meet. A great place to sell old, seldom flown kites or to get great deals on used (gently flown) kites. Only registered users can see the Swap Meet section, let alone wheel and deal. 1000's (literally) of kites have changed hands thanks to the Swap Meet.There are several more benefits to being a registered user, but you'll have to join our little community to find out all the "secrets".Questions or concerns? Contact Steve ... just drop an email to: forum.gwtwkites@gmail.com

Focus kites and Skyburner both use a single hole in the leading edge. I've built a couple of kites that use this method. I've actually never had a problem with them ripping out. I have also used a 2 hole method... a combination of Flying Wing and Skyburner's system. I also know that Lam uses three holes (although, I don't own one of his kites yet, so have not learned how the design holds tension).

I still prefer the "Blue Moon" system because the fixed pigtail makes tensioning evenly side to side easier and repeatable although I seldom break down kites. I do worry more about the sewn in loop breaking then I worry about the holes in 3.5 oz Dacron tearing out though. If I was building an light kite using 1.5 oz or lighter leading edges without re-enforcement I would definitively use the sewn loops over holes. BTW I've heard Kens system on the Blue Moons was inspired by an early Prism design and he got Prism's permission to incorporate it into his designs.

I'm not fond of the multi hole systems that i have to read instructions and watch videos in order to put a kite together, what is their advantage?

Logged

"Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see" John W Lennon

"People do not quit playing because they grow old, they grow old because they quit playing" George Bernard Shaw

it would seem two holes could reduce the load on each by half if the tensioning line loops through both.if you're worried about the hole expanding you can stiffen the wingtip by incorporating a thin piece of plastic when you sew it. check the wingtip on a late model benson kite, it's as stiff as a credit card or driving license.

i've seen enough sewn in loops like in option 1 get worn and frayed enough through proper use to appear suspiciously weak, and nightmarish to replace should it fail.

I have a couple of kites made by a now deceased builder, where single holes were reinforced with metal grommets.............the grommets failed but the holes remain-unblemished and functioning as well as the grommeted holes. One model used bungies and the other bridle line...................no difference with either.

I'm not fond of the multi hole systems that i have to read instructions and watch videos in order to put a kite together, what is their advantage?

I'm exaggerating perhaps a bit on the complexity - like I said even a simple system like BMKs is often put on incorrectly by sliding the knot in the notch rather than the loop itself. Without instruction, most new flyers can't even larks heads their lines to the kite!

The advantage is mostly cosmetic I imagine - it looks very clean and requires no end cap. I've never liked a strand of line whipping on the end of the LE like many do as it eventually frays and looks ratty. It also works really well, I've had some setup for years now - set it an forget it.

I use a two hole system. Clean and simple It can tear if the dacron layup is not thick enough, so I fold over the ends to double up the thickness. When using 1.5 oz nylon, I double over the nylon as well as adding a dacron doubler.

I have done both on kites I have build, never had an issue with either.

Lately I have been going with hole version and using an 2.2 26" flat bike inner tube, cut out rings about 1/4" and use them as bands to tension with good result; the rubber in the innertube is stong enough to provide good tension and if it brakes I can cut hundreds more if needed. And no need to tie anything no snags either. The 2.2 tube gives me a good size band based on the location of the hole to the end of the nock

Our forum is made possible by the good folks whose ads appear above and by the members of our community (PayPal donation button at bottom)In case you missed it each ad is linked to the sponsors web site. So please, take a moment and visit our sponsors sites as this forum wouldn't be possible with out them.Interested in running an ad for your business or kiting event? Contact Steve at advertise.gwtwkites@gmail.com for a quote.